The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM) is an NSF supported project that began in 1999 to develop a library of uniquely interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials, mostly in the form of Java applets, for mathematics instruction (K-12 emphasis). The project includes dissemination and extensive internal and external evaluation.
The NLVM is a resource from which teachers may freely draw to enrich their mathematics classrooms. The materials are also of importance for the mathematical training of both in-service and pre-service teachers. The library is actively being extended and refined through projects including the eNVLM, a project to develop interactive online learning units for mathematics.
How can you use it?
NLVM provides interactive online math lessons, activities, and assessments. Topics include fractions, functions, geometric transformations, integer arithmetic, patterns and sequences, probability, right triangle trigonometry, slope, triangle geometry, and writing equations of lines.
Calculate what an excavation company should charge for digging a hole.
Analyze three pollution reduction plans.
Determine the best rate for repaying a loan.
Used primarily for mathematics teaching across a multitude of grade levels.
Why would you use it?
Learning and understanding mathematics, at every level, requires student engagement. Mathematics is not, as has been said, a spectator sport. One way to address the problem is through the use of manipulatives, physical objects that help students visualize relationships and applications. We can now use computers to create virtual learning environments to address the same goals.
There is a need for good computer-based mathematical manipulatives and interactive learning tools at elementary and middle school levels.
Abstract concepts are a source of difficulty for many students who struggle with mathematics, many of whom find even basic mathematics concepts difficult to understand. A popular approach to help students understand abstract concepts is the use of manipulatives. Manipulatives enable students and teachers to represent concretely the abstract concepts that they are learning in mathematics class and to link these concepts to prior knowledge. Although they are used primarily in the elementary grades, they offer a useful means to introduce new concepts to all students.
For the most part, classroom use of manipulatives has involved concrete, or physical, manipulatives. However, with the advent of the World Wide Web, there is a new category of manipulatives—virtual. Virtual manipulatives are basically digital “objects” that resemble physical objects and can be manipulated, usually with a mouse, in the same ways as their authentic counterparts. Virtual versions of concrete manipulatives typically used in mathematics education, such as Base 10 Blocks, Cuisenaire Rods, and Tangrams, are available at no cost online. Many available virtual manipulatives are paired with structured activities or suggestions to aid implementation in the classroom.
As virtual manipulatives are relatively new, there is limited research on their effectiveness. However, research into concrete manipulatives provides insight into their possible uses and benefits to learning.
PRO: Engage learners in a non-spectator situation.
PRO: Manipulatives are shown to improve student learning.
PRO: Free online ability to do the same thing that you would with concrete items.
CON: May not be as effective with the kinesthetic learner.
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
How can you use it?
Why would you use it?
- Learning and understanding mathematics, at every level, requires student engagement. Mathematics is not, as has been said, a spectator sport. One way to address the problem is through the use of manipulatives, physical objects that help students visualize relationships and applications. We can now use computers to create virtual learning environments to address the same goals.
- There is a need for good computer-based mathematical manipulatives and interactive learning tools at elementary and middle school levels.
- Abstract concepts are a source of difficulty for many students who struggle with mathematics, many of whom find even basic mathematics concepts difficult to understand. A popular approach to help students understand abstract concepts is the use of manipulatives. Manipulatives enable students and teachers to represent concretely the abstract concepts that they are learning in mathematics class and to link these concepts to prior knowledge. Although they are used primarily in the elementary grades, they offer a useful means to introduce new concepts to all students.
- For the most part, classroom use of manipulatives has involved concrete, or physical, manipulatives. However, with the advent of the World Wide Web, there is a new category of manipulatives—virtual. Virtual manipulatives are basically digital “objects” that resemble physical objects and can be manipulated, usually with a mouse, in the same ways as their authentic counterparts. Virtual versions of concrete manipulatives typically used in mathematics education, such as Base 10 Blocks, Cuisenaire Rods, and Tangrams, are available at no cost online. Many available virtual manipulatives are paired with structured activities or suggestions to aid implementation in the classroom.
- As virtual manipulatives are relatively new, there is limited research on their effectiveness. However, research into concrete manipulatives provides insight into their possible uses and benefits to learning.
- PRO: Engage learners in a non-spectator situation.
- PRO: Manipulatives are shown to improve student learning.
- PRO: Free online ability to do the same thing that you would with concrete items.
- CON: May not be as effective with the kinesthetic learner.
- Standards: 4 a-d, 5 a-d, 6 a-d
References- National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
- Learning Mathematics with Virtual Manipulatives
Lesson Plan using National Library of Virtual Manipulatives by Karen Casselman